Effect of magnetite and graphene nanoplatelets on mechanical properties and thermal stability of thermoplastic elastomer

ABSTRACT

Functional nanocomposites have garnered considerable attention due to their ability to exhibit multifunctional properties and achieve exceptional performance. This current paper aims to analyze the individual and combined effects of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of a blend consisting Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is made up of Natural rubber (NR) and Polyaniline (PANi). Both nanocomposites were fabricated via melt blending method using an internal mixer, followed by compression via hot/cold pressing. The incorporation of Fe₃O₄ was observed to consistently enhance the flexural and impact properties compared to GNP-based nanocomposites. Notably, the nanocomposites filled with 6 wt% Fe₃O₄ displayed the highest flexural strength (2.1 MPa), flexural modulus (31.1 MPa), and impact strength (4.4 kJ/m²). Results from thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated a significant improvement in thermal stability within the nanocomposites. The introduction of nanoparticles led to a delay in decomposition and melting processes. The hybridization of Fe₃O₄ and GNP proved effective in synergistically enhancing both mechanical performance and thermal stability. At optimum content, scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed a uniform dispersion of Fe₃O₄/GNPs within the TPE-PANi blend, accompanied by strong interactions between the components.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Graphene nanoplatelet
• hybrid nanocomposites
• magnetite
• mechanical properties
• thermal properties
• thermoplastic elastomer

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOHE) for financial support through Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), grant number FRGS/1/2022/TK09/UKM/02/8, and the Unit Microscopy at the UKM.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Ministry of Education Malaysia for Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) with grant number [FRGS/1/2022/TK09/UKM/02/8].

Notes on contributors

Farrah Diyana Zailan

Farrah Diyana Zailan, she is a post-doctoral researcher in Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

Ruey Shan Chen

Ruey Shan Chen, she is a senior lecturer in Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

Sahrim Haji Ahmad

Sahrim Haji Ahmad, he is a professor in Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

Ulfah Nadia Rahman

Ulfah Nadia Rahman, she is a Master student in Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.